Many People With Rosacea Dislike the Appearance Of Their Skin

Many people with rosacea know the feeling quite well. The face gets flushed, hot, and tender. Often, a look in the mirror confirms red skin and pus-filled pustules. Rosacea is a confidence crusher, and more than 90% of rosacea patients report low self-esteem.

Rosacea is a hereditary skin condition and is common in families of northern European descent. Rosacea is a chronic condition, and it affects more than sixteen million Americans. Rosacea has no cure, and its cause is yet to be known. However, ways exist to minimize the occurrence of symptoms and thus treat the condition.

There are four known subtypes of rosacea, each with its set of symptoms. Some people may even report suffering from more than one subtype of rosacea at a time. Rosacea affects the skin on the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Flare Ups occur in cycles, often appearing for weeks or months at a time, disappearing, then appearing after a while.

Causes of Rosacea

Every person who suffers from rosacea may report a different cause for the occurrence of flare ups. There is no known etiology of rosacea, and a combination of genetic and environmental factors is suspect. However, certain things may cause rosacea symptoms to worsen, and they include:

• Taking spicy foods
• Consuming products containing cinnamaldehyde such as chocolate, cinnamon, citrus, and tomatoes
• Having the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori in the stomach or a skin mite Demodex and the bacteria it carries
• Taking hot tea or coffee
• Cathelicidin, a protein used by the skin to protect it from infection
• Blood vessel problems on the skin of the face. Sun damage may worsen the blood vessel problem by making the vessel larger and easier to see

Risk factors

Certain factors may predispose someone with a genetic trait for rosacea to develop rosacea more than another person with the same trait. Rosacea mainly develops in people aged between 30 and 50 and may be more common in blonds with fair skin and blue eyes. Other risk factors are:

• Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry
• Being female even though men with the condition will suffer more severe symptoms

How Does Rosacea Present Itself

As stated earlier, there are 4 types of rosacea each with a different presentation. The types are:

Subtype 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)

This type is associated with flushing, facial redness, and visible facial blood vessels. The signs will include:

• Redness and flushing at the face’ center
• Swollen, sensitive skin
• A Burning or stinging sensation on the skin
• Dry, scaly skin
• Visible and broken facial blood vessels

Subtype 2: Papulopustular (acne) Rosacea

This type mostly affects middle aged women and is associated with acne-like breakouts on the face. Signs include:

• Extremely red skin with acne-like breakouts
• Oily, sensitive skin
• Occurrence of raised patches of the skin
• Visible, broken blood vessels

Subtype 3: Rhinophyma

Subtype three mostly affects men and rarely occurs alone. The subtype is quite rare and is associated with the thickening of the skin on the nose. Signs include:

• Visibly large pores on the skin
• Visible and broken blood vessels
• Thickening of the skin on the forehead, chin, ears, and cheeks with a skin texture that feels bumpy

Subtype 4: Eye Rosacea

Eye rosacea has its symptoms centered around the eyes and these symptoms include:

• Watery and bloodshot eyes
• Dry and itchy eyes that may have a burning and/or stinging sensation
• Reduced vision
• Presence of cysts by the eyes
• Visibly broken or damaged blood vessels on the eyelids

Handling Rosacea

Rosacea is incurable, but physicians may take specific measures in the management of symptoms. Skincare products that are oil-free and water-based are the best for people with rosacea. People with rosacea should avoid products with alcohol, exfoliating agents, and witch hazel when shopping for skincare products. A dermatologist (a doctor for skin conditions) may be a great help when choosing skincare products and may even recommend some oral antibiotics or creams.

Patients with rosacea are also encouraged to keep a journal documenting foods they take and products used on the skin. This may help them identify agents that worsen symptoms. Other management options will include:

• Avoiding alcohol
• Taking eye medication to help alleviate eye symptoms
• Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight
• Using microdermabrasion to reduce the thickness of skin

Rosacea is a manageable chronic condition. However, chronic conditions may be challenging to cope with. A support system is necessary, primarily to deal with self-esteem issues. Patients with rosacea should never forget that the condition is not their fault and that they are beautiful and lovable. Patients are encouraged to work with a doctor to establish how best to manage their symptoms and lead a happy and fulfilling life.